Is ‘The Haunting Of Hill House’ Really As Scary As Everyone Says?

While some people threw up because of it, others said they weren't fazed. But we watched it to find out the real scoop.

After people came forward saying that Netflix’s latest horror series, The Haunting Of Hill House, caused them to throw up, I was sure I was going to stay away from the series forever. I love a good thrill-fest, but not enough to be willing to vomit for it. But the more I read about the cleverness of both the writing and direction of the show, I had to learn more. I had to see it for myself. So, after bundling myself up in my coziest sweater and forcing my boyfriend to watch each episode with me (I wasn’t about to try watching it alone), we binged all 10 episodes in the span of 24 hours. And let me tell you, I’ve got a lot to say.

I keep hearing the same questions from potential viewers. Is it really as scary as everyone says? Is it really going to make me throw up? Well, here’s what I can say. Everyone’s thrill tolerance is different, but there was no puking on my end. But I can say with absolute certainty that this is one of the best horror pieces I’ve ever seen. And yes, it’s one of the scariest, too…but not for the reasons you think.

The way many have described this show is, in my opinion, inaccurate. They make it sound as if every minute features its own jump scare. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’re going to be disappointed. With the exception of Episodes 9 and 10, there are only a handful of truly terrifying moments in each episode. But they’re scary enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. More than that, they stay with you long after you’ve finished watching.

You see, the true brilliance, the true terror of the show lies not in its surprising jump scares, though those are fantastically crafted. What strikes me most about this series was its ability to keep the audience suspended in this terrified state even when nothing scary is happening. Because you know something is coming, and each scare is worse than the last, but you have no idea what will happen next or when. And that’s what makes this show so scary.

The Haunting Of Hill House is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece, and I say that with complete confidence. The series is so much more than its horrifying moments. Despite everything, it is, at its core, a tale about family. It is a story about love and loss, grief and acceptance. It’s about a family who has faced so much, and that only in unity can there be any hope of happiness. Filled with genuinely shocking twists and more than its fair share of tear-jerking moments, it won’t take long for you to fall in love with each member of the tortured Crain family.

The Haunting Of Hill House is, simply put, a rarity. Both a beautiful and horrific tale, ingeniously crafted and undoubtedly one of Netflix’s best series to date. Do not go into this series expecting to throw up. Begin watching with an open mind and with the knowledge that this show is so much more than its terrifying moments. It will make you jump, it’ll make you look over your shoulder, and trust me, it definitely isn’t something you want to watch in the dark. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, this show will make you think twice before entering a dark room in your house. So, for those of you looking for a good scare, you’ll find it here. But don’t forget, you’ll find more than that, too. And that’s what makes this series stand out.

Published by Maggie Stancu

Maggie Stancu is a Canadian film critic and recap guru who is obsessed with too many shows and films to count. She is the founder, editor-in-chief, and sole contributor to media news site Fiction's Mistress. Maggie previously contributed to pop culture sites such as ScreenPrism and Movie Pilot, and continues to contribute to Vocal Media. She's also still waiting for her Hogwarts letter, which should arrive any day now...
View all posts by Maggie Stancu